Carpals, also known as carpal bones, are a group of small, irregularly shaped bones found in the human wrist. As essential components of the skeletal system, carpals play a crucial role in supporting and facilitating the movement of the hand and wrist joints. The carpal bones are arranged in two rows, known as the proximal carpal row (closer to the forearm) and the distal carpal row (closer to the hand).
There are eight carpals in total, with each bone contributing significantly to the structural integrity and flexibility of the wrist joint. The names of the carpals, from the thumb side to the pinky side, include the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate. These bones are held together and supported by various ligaments, tendons, and muscles, enabling the intricate movements of the hand and fingers.
Carpals function as a protective framework for the median nerve, blood vessels, and other structures passing through the wrist. They also serve as attachment sites for muscles that control wrist movements, providing stability during activities like typing, writing, and grasping objects. In addition, the unique arrangement of carpals allows for a wide range of motion, facilitating both flexion and extension, as well as radial and ulnar deviation of the wrist.
Understanding the anatomy and functionality of the carpals is crucial in diagnosing and treating various wrist injuries, such as fractures, dislocations, or degenerative conditions. Additionally, it serves as a foundational knowledge for healthcare professionals, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists specializing in hand and wrist rehabilitation.
